Preaching the inward light
Subtitle: early Quaker rhetoric
By: Michael P. Graves.
Series: Studies in rhetoric and religion -- 9; Studies in rhetoric and religion -- 9.
Publisher: Baylor University Press
Published: 2009
Place of publication: Waco, Tex
Language: eng
Number of pages: 462
ISBN-13: 9781602582408
Subjects: Quaker preaching -- History -- 17th century; Extemporaneous preaching -- History -- 17th century; Society of Friends -- Sermons -- History and criticism; Sermons, English -- History and criticism
Description: "This careful rhetorical study of Quaker preaching provides insights into both Quaker theology and practice. By situating the Quaker movement within the intellectual context of early seventeenthcentury Europe, Graves explores the great Quaker preachers and lesser known figures-all of whom turn out to be able rhetoricians. Through extant sermons he demonstrates that the early Quakers could be a vocal, even "revivalistic," sect that sought to put into effect worldwide the moral, spiritual, and practical virtues of what they called "primitive Christianity." Graves thus challenges the stereotypes of the early movement and shows the denomination to be theologically innovative and socially important. Thoroughly researched and lucidly written, Preaching the Inward Light is a timely look backward to these spirited people." --Book Jacket.
Notes: Revised and expanded version of the author's thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Southern California, 1972 under the title "The rhetoric of the inward light : an examination of extant sermons delivered by early Quakers, 1671-1700."

Includes bibliographical references (p. 415-435) and indexes.
Table of contents: title: Cultural constraints on early Quaker preaching; title: Presuppositions of early Quaker preaching; title: The development of seventeenth-century Quaker impromptu preaching theory; title: Robert Barclay and the grounding of early Quaker homiletic theory; title: The flowering of early Quaker homiletic theory : Samuel Bownas' manual for itinerant impromptu preachers; title: Thematic characteristics of Quaker sermons, 1671-1700; title: Five key metaphors in early Quaker sermons, 1671-1700; title: Other salient characteristics of Quaker sermons, 1671-1700; title: George Fox faces the Yearly Meeting in 1674 : the challenge of legitimacy in a culture that values impromptu, inspired discourse; title: Stephen Crisp and the bedrock of early Quakerism; title: "This is my testimony unto you from the life of God" : the theorist tests his own advice; title: William Penn preaches an impromptu funeral sermon.